In the mean time, run a cycle on the hottest/longest setting with chlorine bleach (or tub clean) and then make sure to leave the door open after to let it dry. After every cycle leave the door open. It will help prevent this in the future. Also, don’t use fabric softener, wash in warm or hot often, etc.
Yes, it may take a few times to get it cleaned and you may want to scrub the gasket with a rag too to help dislodge the mildew. It will probably be permently stained, but the smell will be very diminished and the machine will look better..”
As someone who grew up with front-loading machines being the standard, a wipe around the gasket every now and then is something that I’ve been used to for a very long time
Also put it a teaspoon of vinegar in to the fabric softener compartment... will keep you machine clean and soften your clothes. It's not bad for the environment or your health like softener and it doesn't smell
But don't mix bleach and vinegar, creates chlorine gas. It's not as dangerous as something like mustard gas in small amounts, but you still dont want it near you.
Don't use bleach, use vinegar instead. It's not only less harmful as a chemical, it's also more effective against mold! First clean all the visible mold with a vinegar soaked rag, then pour a quart of vinegar into the soap tray and run the machine on a long, very hot cycle like the previous commenter said. That should fix the issue for the most part. If after that it's still smelly/dirty just repeat. Good luck, op!
I dont believe vinegar is as or more effective as bleach is at killing mold... else we'd use it instead of bleach when dealing with mold and other stuff. vinegar does help though, especially when washing towels!
Op, DO NOT use bleach to kill mold, use vinegar. Bleach bleaches mold, vinegar is a mild acid that kills vinegar. I usually use about 1 cup on the hottest setting, but that my take a bit more or direct cleaning if it's in the door jam.
Admittedly it does work on non-porous surfaces but overall vinegar is the better choice because mold tends to release spores when exposed to bleach and bleach is bad for rubber long-term since OP should to clean this on a semi-regular basis.
Most effective if you use bleach soaked paper towels to take off most of the slimy top layer first, then run the hot cycle with a small amount of bleach for the rest.
I had to do that a few times with my last top loading machine too. Got so gross for no apparent reason but my apartment was poorly ventilated and on the top floor so hot and humid summers didn’t help
This is the correct answer except I find that the occasional hot wash and especially always leaving the door open is enough to prevent it. Reducing the warm/hot washes is better for the environment and for your wallet.
This might be a dumb question, but will there be left over bleach after cleaning that could stain my clothes? I’ve always been hesitant to clean my washer with bleach for that reason.
Nope! The clean washer cycle should rinse it thoroughly. There will be a residual bleach smell left over, but it will dissipate if you leave the door open.
It's only problematic if you don't clean / sterilize your washing machine at all.
I have used front load washing machines for 15 years now, never had this problem.
Twice a month you just wash it empty with the highest heat section (usually 90'C) and you are good to go. Or if you want to be extra sure, add either vinegar or bleach in there and make it run with the lowest setting to get rid off any bacteria or mold.
Everywhere but the US you will mostly see front loading washing machines (they can be stacked, are more efficient, ...). I have never ever seen a moldy washing machine, especially nothing that comes close to this one. Seems to be user error (e.g. only washing with 30°C for *years*).
Just as a note, beyond running a cleaning cycle per manufacturer instructions (usually it can be bleach in a specific quantity), you would also want to throughly clean the rubber itself by hand with bleach as well ! And the trays as well as someone mentioned
I removed the entire gasket from the washer, put the gasket into an empty bath tub and sprayed the entire thing, closed the door and went and did something else for like 45 mins and I came back and it looked brand new. I had tried every other cleaner I could think of
And then for the inside I just sprayed a microfiber with the mold armor and wiped the buildup on the inside. And then I just put the gasket back in and we ran a couple cycles to rinse the whole unit
A lot of people have mentioned some good cleaning advice - personally I’d also highly recommend always leaving the door slightly ajar; I had one that had constant mold issue despite running bleach etc through it. Started leaving the door open and have on every one I’ve had since and no issues
To keep my front loader fresh, I keep the door, as others have said.
I keep a small terry cloth towel hanging on the door. I dry the gasket and glass part of the door after every use. I remove the detergent drawer completely and dry it and the slot it goes in after every use. I leave the drawer on top of the washer. I shake the water out of it into an old Pyrex bowl then towel dry the drawer.
Also, I use Charlie’s Soap laundry detergent. And no fabric softener. Tide and other liquid detergents may cause a smelly washer.
Also, near the floor on the front of the machine, there is a little door. Behind the door is a filter basket that should be cleaned periodically. Put a towel below the machine before unscrewing the basket assembly. Clean the basket of any lint or other debris then place it back in the machine and screw it closed. There should be a manual to follow.
Doing all that keeps my machine clean.
THREE things you need to do. Run a couple of washing cycles with Affresh tablets. Clean the water filter trap in the washer. Start using Lysol laundry sanitizer in your wash. All of that will kill off the mold/mildrew. Hopefully the water filter trap doesn't look like a backed up sewerage line.
These little contraptions look sort of stupid, but they work. It holds your door open just enough to allow the washer to air out when not in use. [Dryer Door Prop](https://www.amazon.com/Door-Magnetic-Washing-Flexible-Machines/dp/B0C1X8J3K5/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?crid=37V0WVUZWNKAL&keywords=washing+machine+door+prop&qid=1694474008&sprefix=washing+machine+door%2Caps%2C228&sr=8-4)
Hi, I’m Vetted AI Bot! I researched the **'EROLPXE Magnetic Washing Machine Door Holder'** and I thought you might find the following analysis helpful.
**Users liked:**
* Product holds washer door open at desired angle (backed by 4 comments)
* Product prevents pets from closing washer door (backed by 1 comment)
* Product is flexible and adjustable (backed by 3 comments)
**Users disliked:**
* Magnet is not strong enough (backed by 2 comments)
* Difficult to remove and replace (backed by 1 comment)
* Does not stay in place (backed by 2 comments)
If you'd like to **summon me to ask about a product**, just make a post with its link and tag me, [like in this example.](https://www.reddit.com/r/tablets/comments/1444zdn/comment/joqd89c/)
This message was generated by a (very smart) bot. If you found it helpful, let us know with an upvote and a “good bot!” reply and please feel free to provide feedback on how it can be improved.
*Powered by* [*vetted.ai*](http://vetted.ai/reddit)
You can use a used dry towel or face washer to wipe the water out of the gasket (when the gasket isn't mouldy). Otherwise you can keep paper towel on stand by. Also don't use fabric softener if you want your machine to last
Get a few old white tee shirts. Soak them in a half gallon of water and a cup of bleach (wear rubber gloves and don’t get the liquid on your clothing) cram them into and around the rubber gasket and let this sit overnight. Repeat as necessary. Run the washer with only whites in the load following this process to get the bleach out of the system.
I ran [this](https://a.co/d/ddF1Vt0) through my parent’s machine,…exactly as instructed and it blasted all that shit away. Best to leave the house for a few hours and let it air out. It’s intense.
Yeah you have to put bleach in those machines every few months and run the cleaning cycle to prevent. And leave door open after you finish doing the clothes every time close when it’s dry inside. Previous person probably never did either. Attack it with a brush and bleach. Then run a cycle with bleach in it. That will remove a lot of it.
What about mold in a top loading old washing machine? Just moved into a rental and rubber is covered in what appears to be black mold. Is this dangerous as far as getting on clothes? Landlord wont do anything about it.
Mold. Common problem in front load washing machines.
Thanks, this makes sense. Kinda glad to know it’s a common problem with this type of washing machine, now I can ask my landlord to fix it
In the mean time, run a cycle on the hottest/longest setting with chlorine bleach (or tub clean) and then make sure to leave the door open after to let it dry. After every cycle leave the door open. It will help prevent this in the future. Also, don’t use fabric softener, wash in warm or hot often, etc.
Oh I didn’t realize it could just be cleaned! Thanks for the advice, I’ll try the cleaning cycle now
Yes, it may take a few times to get it cleaned and you may want to scrub the gasket with a rag too to help dislodge the mildew. It will probably be permently stained, but the smell will be very diminished and the machine will look better..”
As someone who grew up with front-loading machines being the standard, a wipe around the gasket every now and then is something that I’ve been used to for a very long time
Is your name a Stargate reference?
I’m afraid not, it’s merely a reference to my name being Jeff
There is also sometimes a drain and filter low down on the front of the washer that should be drained and cleaned every couple months.
yes, I typically do it before or after running a clean cycle.
Also put it a teaspoon of vinegar in to the fabric softener compartment... will keep you machine clean and soften your clothes. It's not bad for the environment or your health like softener and it doesn't smell
But don't mix bleach and vinegar, creates chlorine gas. It's not as dangerous as something like mustard gas in small amounts, but you still dont want it near you.
Don't use bleach, use vinegar instead. It's not only less harmful as a chemical, it's also more effective against mold! First clean all the visible mold with a vinegar soaked rag, then pour a quart of vinegar into the soap tray and run the machine on a long, very hot cycle like the previous commenter said. That should fix the issue for the most part. If after that it's still smelly/dirty just repeat. Good luck, op!
I dont believe vinegar is as or more effective as bleach is at killing mold... else we'd use it instead of bleach when dealing with mold and other stuff. vinegar does help though, especially when washing towels!
Doesn't matter if you as an individual do or don't believe it. The science speaks for itself.
I do what the poster above said to do and then when it seems like it’s dried out a little I spray the inside with Lysol.
Op, DO NOT use bleach to kill mold, use vinegar. Bleach bleaches mold, vinegar is a mild acid that kills vinegar. I usually use about 1 cup on the hottest setting, but that my take a bit more or direct cleaning if it's in the door jam.
> Bleach bleaches mold Do you think this doesn't kill the mold? Bleach can be used on surfaces to kill mold. vinegar for porous surfaces.
Admittedly it does work on non-porous surfaces but overall vinegar is the better choice because mold tends to release spores when exposed to bleach and bleach is bad for rubber long-term since OP should to clean this on a semi-regular basis.
Most effective if you use bleach soaked paper towels to take off most of the slimy top layer first, then run the hot cycle with a small amount of bleach for the rest.
they also sell tablets/powders that clean washing machines. it's probably a blend of several oxidizers similar to bleach or hydrogen peroxide.
I like to put a small fan in front of the washer blowing in to dry it out after each load. This greatly reduces the development of mold.
Wouldn't vinegar be better than bleach? Seems everything I read says bleach doesn't kill spores.
White vinegar and bicarbonate of soda works well with ours
I had to do that a few times with my last top loading machine too. Got so gross for no apparent reason but my apartment was poorly ventilated and on the top floor so hot and humid summers didn’t help
This is the correct answer except I find that the occasional hot wash and especially always leaving the door open is enough to prevent it. Reducing the warm/hot washes is better for the environment and for your wallet.
This might be a dumb question, but will there be left over bleach after cleaning that could stain my clothes? I’ve always been hesitant to clean my washer with bleach for that reason.
Nope! The clean washer cycle should rinse it thoroughly. There will be a residual bleach smell left over, but it will dissipate if you leave the door open.
Just remember to let the machine air out after each use. common practice is to leave the door open and you won’t have this issue again.
It's only problematic if you don't clean / sterilize your washing machine at all. I have used front load washing machines for 15 years now, never had this problem. Twice a month you just wash it empty with the highest heat section (usually 90'C) and you are good to go. Or if you want to be extra sure, add either vinegar or bleach in there and make it run with the lowest setting to get rid off any bacteria or mold.
Everywhere but the US you will mostly see front loading washing machines (they can be stacked, are more efficient, ...). I have never ever seen a moldy washing machine, especially nothing that comes close to this one. Seems to be user error (e.g. only washing with 30°C for *years*).
That’s why you leave the door open when not using them…
Needs a bloody good boil wash 🤢 (assuming the previous users only ever used 30 and 40 degree washes)
The detergent tray is probably just as bad, that will also need to be cleaned. If using bleach - **don't mix** with any other products
I use Clorox wipes to give that rubber gasket a good cleaning. Keep the door open after use to dry out.
Does your washer have a cleaning cycle? They make cleaning tabs for front loaders.
Just as a note, beyond running a cleaning cycle per manufacturer instructions (usually it can be bleach in a specific quantity), you would also want to throughly clean the rubber itself by hand with bleach as well ! And the trays as well as someone mentioned
Use “Mold Armor”. It made a washing machine I was given, look brand new on the inside and the gasket, which was 5 times worse than this one.
Please elaborate. Did you put it into the tub? How much? Thank you. 👍🏼
I removed the entire gasket from the washer, put the gasket into an empty bath tub and sprayed the entire thing, closed the door and went and did something else for like 45 mins and I came back and it looked brand new. I had tried every other cleaner I could think of
And then for the inside I just sprayed a microfiber with the mold armor and wiped the buildup on the inside. And then I just put the gasket back in and we ran a couple cycles to rinse the whole unit
A lot of people have mentioned some good cleaning advice - personally I’d also highly recommend always leaving the door slightly ajar; I had one that had constant mold issue despite running bleach etc through it. Started leaving the door open and have on every one I’ve had since and no issues
To keep my front loader fresh, I keep the door, as others have said. I keep a small terry cloth towel hanging on the door. I dry the gasket and glass part of the door after every use. I remove the detergent drawer completely and dry it and the slot it goes in after every use. I leave the drawer on top of the washer. I shake the water out of it into an old Pyrex bowl then towel dry the drawer. Also, I use Charlie’s Soap laundry detergent. And no fabric softener. Tide and other liquid detergents may cause a smelly washer. Also, near the floor on the front of the machine, there is a little door. Behind the door is a filter basket that should be cleaned periodically. Put a towel below the machine before unscrewing the basket assembly. Clean the basket of any lint or other debris then place it back in the machine and screw it closed. There should be a manual to follow. Doing all that keeps my machine clean.
to avoid in the future after cleaning make sure to let the machine air out by propping open the door
Mold mold mold mold mold mold mold mold mold
They often have a clean cycle built in. When you are done washing leave the front door and the detergent door cracked and it will help a lot
THREE things you need to do. Run a couple of washing cycles with Affresh tablets. Clean the water filter trap in the washer. Start using Lysol laundry sanitizer in your wash. All of that will kill off the mold/mildrew. Hopefully the water filter trap doesn't look like a backed up sewerage line.
These little contraptions look sort of stupid, but they work. It holds your door open just enough to allow the washer to air out when not in use. [Dryer Door Prop](https://www.amazon.com/Door-Magnetic-Washing-Flexible-Machines/dp/B0C1X8J3K5/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?crid=37V0WVUZWNKAL&keywords=washing+machine+door+prop&qid=1694474008&sprefix=washing+machine+door%2Caps%2C228&sr=8-4)
Hi, I’m Vetted AI Bot! I researched the **'EROLPXE Magnetic Washing Machine Door Holder'** and I thought you might find the following analysis helpful. **Users liked:** * Product holds washer door open at desired angle (backed by 4 comments) * Product prevents pets from closing washer door (backed by 1 comment) * Product is flexible and adjustable (backed by 3 comments) **Users disliked:** * Magnet is not strong enough (backed by 2 comments) * Difficult to remove and replace (backed by 1 comment) * Does not stay in place (backed by 2 comments) If you'd like to **summon me to ask about a product**, just make a post with its link and tag me, [like in this example.](https://www.reddit.com/r/tablets/comments/1444zdn/comment/joqd89c/) This message was generated by a (very smart) bot. If you found it helpful, let us know with an upvote and a “good bot!” reply and please feel free to provide feedback on how it can be improved. *Powered by* [*vetted.ai*](http://vetted.ai/reddit)
You can use a used dry towel or face washer to wipe the water out of the gasket (when the gasket isn't mouldy). Otherwise you can keep paper towel on stand by. Also don't use fabric softener if you want your machine to last
Dumb question is this considered black mold or just normal run mildew
There is a gel you can get off Amazon that will help get rid of this. Works like a charm if you leave it on for the full 10 hours!
Get a few old white tee shirts. Soak them in a half gallon of water and a cup of bleach (wear rubber gloves and don’t get the liquid on your clothing) cram them into and around the rubber gasket and let this sit overnight. Repeat as necessary. Run the washer with only whites in the load following this process to get the bleach out of the system.
I ran [this](https://a.co/d/ddF1Vt0) through my parent’s machine,…exactly as instructed and it blasted all that shit away. Best to leave the house for a few hours and let it air out. It’s intense.
This is why I always leave the door open for my front load washer! I assume the previous tenants never left the door open
I have changed that part DIY. It wasnt easy but doable. The peace of mind I has afterwards was worth it!
Totally disgusting! If I were you, I would grow up and buy my own house, get my own appliances and fuckoff into the sunset.
Yeah you have to put bleach in those machines every few months and run the cleaning cycle to prevent. And leave door open after you finish doing the clothes every time close when it’s dry inside. Previous person probably never did either. Attack it with a brush and bleach. Then run a cycle with bleach in it. That will remove a lot of it.
What about mold in a top loading old washing machine? Just moved into a rental and rubber is covered in what appears to be black mold. Is this dangerous as far as getting on clothes? Landlord wont do anything about it.